Israel: Thousands march against PM Benjamin Netanyahu's plans

Thousands of Israelis took to streets to protest against Prime Minister BenjaminNetanyahu's plan to extend sovereignty over parts of the occupied West Bank, de-facto annexation of land that the Palestinians seek for a state.

The decision by the controversial Prime Minister has not gone well with all communities of Israel.

With the banner of"No to annexation, no to occupation, yes to peace and democracy", a lot of protestors also waved the Palestinian flag.

The protests, organisedby left-wing groups, paid heed to the precautions of coronavirus. Majority protestors were spotted wearing face masks, while some also wore gloves. Roads were marked with squares to guide people where to stand to maintain proper social distance.

The guidelines were followed keeping in mind the rising number of coronavirus positive cases in the country, post the lifting of lockdown.

While the protest sawattendance of thousands of people, a recent opinion poll has revealed around half of Israelis support annexation.

A video address by US Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders was also screened by the organisers in which Sanders called for justice and said,"It has never been more important to stand up for justice, and to fight for the future we all deserve. It’s up to all of us to stand up to authoritarian leaders and to build a peaceful future for every Palestinian and every Israeli."

The US President Donald Trumphas unveiled a peace plan that requires Palestinians to establisha state under stringent conditions, but Israelis get to retain their establishments.

Israel's PM has, meanwhile,set July 1 as the date to begin advancing his plan. Palestinians have rejected his plan.

Some European and Arab states, along with the United Nations, have voiced concerns against this plan, calling it illegal, and have also warned Israel of possible violence in the country, and diplomatic repercussions.

(With inputs from Reuters)